Cooking a turkey heart may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple with the right technique When boiled properly, turkey hearts become tender and flavorful – making a nutritious addition to soups, stews and more In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about boiling turkey hearts, including tips for preparing them, step-by-step instructions, and how long to boil them for best results.
The heart of a turkey is composed almost entirely of muscle. This dense lean muscle contains a concentrated amount of protein and nutrients. However because turkey hearts are so muscular, they can be tough if not cooked properly.
This is where boiling comes in. The moist heat of boiling gently breaks down the muscle fibers and connective tissues in turkey hearts. The end result is meat that is incredibly tender and easy to chew. Boiling also infuses flavor from any aromatics and seasonings added to the cooking liquid.
When boiling a turkey heart there are a few key factors that affect the total cooking time
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Size of the heart – Smaller hearts take less time to become tender. Larger hearts require more time.
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Level of doneness – Hearts boiled longer become more tender but can turn mushy if overcooked. Pull them sooner for firmer texture.
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Cooking temperature – A gentle simmer tenderizes without overcooking. Rapid boiling can cause hearts to seize up.
Now let’s get into the step-by-step method for boiling turkey hearts to juicy, tender perfection.
Prepping Raw Turkey Hearts
Rinsing and trimming are the first steps in prepping raw turkey hearts:
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Rinse – Give hearts a good rinse under cool running water. This removes any blood, fluids or debris. Pat dry thoroughly.
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Trim – Using a sharp knife, trim away any visible fat, membranes or discolored portions. Turkey hearts are very lean.
Once prepped, turkey hearts are ready to boil. For even cooking, try to match their sizes by cutting larger hearts in half.
Step-by-Step Boiling Instructions
Follow these simple steps for boiling turkey hearts to tender perfection:
1. Place turkey hearts in a pot and cover with cold water – Allow at least 1-2 inches of water above the hearts to allow for even cooking.
2. Add any desired aromatics – Try bay leaves, peppercorns, celery, onions or garlic for extra flavor.
3. Bring to a boil over high heat – Let the pot reach a full rolling boil. This usually takes 15-20 minutes.
4. Reduce heat and simmer – Lower heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Bubbles should gently break the surface.
5. Simmer for 30-60 minutes – Cook time depends on size. Pierce hearts periodically to test for tenderness.
6. Remove from heat and drain – Use tongs to transfer boiled hearts to a plate. Reserve cooking liquid for another use if desired.
7. Allow to rest 5 minutes before slicing – This allows juices to redistribute so meat stays moist.
And that’s it! With this simple boiling method, your turkey hearts will turn out perfectly tender.
How Long Should You Boil a Turkey Heart?
The boiling time for turkey hearts can range from 30 minutes up to 1 hour depending on their size. Follow these guidelines:
- Small turkey hearts (4-6 oz): 30-45 minutes
- Medium turkey hearts (8-12 oz): 45-60 minutes
- Large turkey hearts (1 lb+): 60+ minutes
Poke hearts with a fork periodically to test doneness. They should feel very tender when fully cooked. If still tough, boil for 5-10 minutes more and retest.
When in doubt, it’s better to slightly undercook than overcook. You can always boil a bit longer, but overcooked turkey hearts turn dry and mushy.
Tips for the Best Flavor
To maximize flavor when boiling turkey hearts, keep these tips in mind:
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Season the cooking liquid – Add salt, pepper, herbs and spices to infuse the hearts.
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Use aromatic veggies – Onion, celery, garlic and carrots impart flavor.
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Try brining first – Soaking in a saltwater brine adds moisture and seasoning.
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Finish with a sear – For bonus flavor, sear the boiled hearts in a hot skillet.
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Make a flavorful sauce – Turn the cooking liquid into a tasty gravy or sauce.
Serving and Storage
Once cooked, boiled turkey hearts can be served immediately or saved for later use. Here are some serving tips:
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Slice hearts and add to stews, soups or casseroles. The tender meat will soak up flavors.
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Dice or shred the meat and mix into pasta, rice, quinoa or vegetable dishes.
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Chill leftover boiled hearts covered in the fridge up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
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Freeze leftover turkey hearts for longer storage. They’ll keep 6 months in an airtight container.
How To Cook Turkey Heart And Liver – A Delicious Delicacy You Must Try!
If you love exploring new flavors and enjoying unique delicacies, then you are in for a treat! Turkey heart and liver are often overlooked, but they hold a world of deliciousness waiting to be discovered. In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps of preparing and cooking turkey heart and liver to perfection.
Marinate the Turkey Heart and Liver
Place the cleaned turkey heart and liver into a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are coated evenly. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for a more intense flavor.
Catch and Cook WILD Turkey HEART!
FAQ
How long does turkey take to boil?
How long does it take to boil turkey giblets?
How long does it take to boil chicken hearts?
How long do you boil Turkey heart & liver?
For example, if you’re making a pate or terrine, you’ll want to boil the turkey heart and liver for approximately 20 minutes until they are fully cooked. Be sure to dice them into small pieces beforehand to ensure even cooking. If you’re making soup or stew, you can boil the heart and liver for up to 1 hour to infuse the flavors into the broth.
How do you cook a Turkey Heart in a crock pot?
Submerge the turkey hearts in the simmering water, and cover to cook. Cook the turkey hearts for about two hours. Poke a meat thermometer probe into the heart, and remove the heart from the simmering water when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The heart will also have a soft, tender texture when cooked completely.
How long to cook turkey livers & hearts?
The cooking time for turkey livers and hearts will vary depending on the cooking method and the size of the pieces. In general, they should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do you cook turkey livers & hearts on a grill?
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the turkey livers and hearts onto skewers. Grill the skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove from the grill and serve hot. Experiment and Enjoy! With these tasty recipes, you can explore the flavors and textures of turkey livers and hearts.